Tip 2: Develop a Routine

It’s important for parents to develop and maintain a consistent morning routine, including a consistent drop-off routine at school. Because young children cannot tell time or and are learning to recall day-to-day events, their sense of security comes from predictable routines – knowing what to expect next or what will happen next gives them confidence. Waking up at the same time each morning, doing the same things to get ready for school, and saying goodbye in the same way each day at school will provide much-needed consistency. Something as simple as establishing a consistent routine can set children up for an easier home-to-school transition.

It’s important to keep in mind that every child is unique and may respond in different ways to separation. Remember, too, that teachers like me have a lot of experience helping families and children with separation anxiety, and are always willing to step in at any moment during goodbye time to help you and your child work through the transition.

Have you developed a routine to help your child transition better from home to school? What has worked for you and your child?

Wendy Lieberman has been an educator at KinderCare for 15 years, currently acting as the Pre-Kindergarten teacher at the Cincinnati KinderCare Learning Center.